Why did military commanders gain power over the later Fatimid caliphs?

Military commanders gained power over the later Fatimid caliphs due to a combination of internal instability and the erosion of the caliphs' personal authority. Initially, the Fatimid government was civilian-led, but the growing importance of the military led to intense factionalism among diverse groups of troops, including Amazigh, Turkish, Sudanese, and Nubian soldiers.1

This internal strife was exacerbated during the reign of al-Ḥākim, whose eccentric behavior diminished the caliph's religious prestige and personal authority. As the state faced further crises—including famine, plague, and the loss of provinces—the caliphs became increasingly marginalized, eventually serving as mere puppets for their viziers and generals.1

The transition to a military regime was solidified in 1073 when Badr al-Jamālī, a powerful general, seized control at the invitation of the caliph. By assuming the roles of vizier, commander of the armies, and director of the missionaries, he centralized military, religious, and bureaucratic power. This established a precedent where a series of military autocrats maintained the caliphs in a state of permanent tutelage.12